GEORGE TOWN – Former Klang MP Charles Santiago has implored the national unity coalition to stay the course on reforms and restructuring the economy despite the losses the bloc suffered following the conclusion of the six state elections.
With certain quarters implying that the Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim-led national unity government should focus on the far-right-leaning electorate, Santiago said that on the contrary, the economy and the Madani virtues need to be prioritised instead.
“Once the rollout of policies to reform the economy including eradicating institutionalised corruption begins to reverberate, the people will enjoy the benefits.”
“The poll results sting – but it’s important that we do not pander to the right wing.
“We need to focus on the economy – creating jobs and business opportunities. We should bring down prices and institutionalised support for single mothers to bring back the Malay voters.”
Speaking to The Vibes here, Santiago said that the demands and promises made by rivals of the unity bloc are essentially unsustainable in the economic context.
Therefore, the focus should be on what can be done to alleviate the pressure on the economy. instead of being distracted by the demands of the far right which also border on racialism, said Santiago.
“The ban on the use of (the Pride collection) Swatch watches for example would only alienate the non-Malay voters. Demonising PAS or its leaders and the use of preventive laws did not put a lid on (rivals) Perikatan Nasional (PN)’s growing popularity.”
The Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) unity coalition needs to focus on reforms and stay on the middle ground because it is the only option the country can afford to have to compete globally and avoid becoming a failed nation, said Santiago.
He drew such conclusions after the outcome of the six state elections which saw PH-BN lose more seats to PN in Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah with PN now enjoying supermajorities in those Malay belt states, while conceding more seats in PH states of Penang, Selangor and Negri Sembilan.
“I have always said this election isn’t a referendum on Anwar but it certainly shows that PH isn’t gaining traction amongst Malay voters. We need to understand their grouses and make every effort to respond to their needs.”
“The people are watching, and they cannot be chided for exercising their choice. But what we can instead do is to ensure there is no political dynasty, greed for power, and political infighting.
“We need to show them that the rakyat’s rights and welfare can and will be protected and promoted,” said Santiago.
He said that with the control of inflation, the living costs are expected to be bearable while the mid to long-term goals of transforming the economy to the post-pandemic era can begin to take root.
He also hoped that the far-right’s tendency to exploit the fault lines of race and religion can be brought under control, as the priority is rejuvenating the economy.
“We need stability to stimulate greater and quality growth where all segments of voters including the far right can enjoy,” he said. – The Vibes, August 14, 2023
